Arsenal have had Athletic Club’s Nico Williams on their radar for almost a year now, but face a major stumbling block in getting any potential deal over the line. As per reports from John Cross of The Mirror, Williams is demanding an exorbitant salary of £300k-a-week to make the switch to the Gunners. This could completely end the north Londoners’ interest in the player, who is still only 22.
Add to that the fact that Williams has made a slow start to the season, which is a stark contrast to his output for Athletic Club last season. He has produced just two goals and five assists in 25 games this season, compared to eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games last season. As a result, the player and his camp may find it challenging to justify their salary demands to any potential suitors.
The Spaniard also has a release clause of around £50 million in his contract, which Arsenal seem to have more than enough firepower to activate. However, it is unlikely that Williams would be willing to depart his current club mid-season.
What will Arsenal do next in this saga?
Arsenal have been monitoring Nico Williams for several months now, with the player’s camp also earlier keen on a quick resolution of his next destination. However, multiple stumbling blocks now make it look like a far-fetched idea that the 22-year-old would ever lineup in an Arsenal shirt.
Barcelona have also been monitoring his situation, but their severe financial constraints could see their Premier League rivals become the frontrunners in any possible deal for the player. However, seeing the demands of the player shift so drastically, Arsenal may withdraw their interest altogether.
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The club’s purpose for signing Nico Williams is mainly that he is a young, talented player that would easily fit into the existing squad. Additionally, sharing a common nationality with the manager and other key members of the squad would help him settle-in easy. However, bringing in a player with an inflate ego is a big no for the Gunners and they will likely turn their attention elsewhere.
